Biological characteristics and life table parameters of coccinelid Nephus arcuatus feeding on Phenacoccus solenopsis at different temperatures

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley has caused serious damage to Chine rose Hibiscus rosa-sinensis recently. Biological characteristics and life table parameters of Nephus arcuatus Kapur feeding on P. solenopsis was studied at 25, 30 and 35 °C under laboratory conditions. Mean developmental time of female and male on three above mentioned temperatures were 28.75, 18.85, 14.68 and 21.73, 18.85, 14.40 days , respectively. Mean preimaginal mortality were 36.33, 33.4 and 49.33 %, respectively. On the same three temperatures, mean female adult longevity, mean daily eggs, mean total egg and intrinsic rate of increase were 84.76, 99.3 and 61.64 days, 7.79, 6.71 and 3.72 eggs, 384.5, 585.3 and 126.00 eggs and 0.09923, 0.13519 and 0.15064, respectively. Based on the results obtained, 35 °C was the optimal temperature for growth and reproduction of N.arcuatus.Based on the results obtained, 35 °C was the optimal temperature for growth and reproduction of N.arcuatus.Based on the results obtained, 35 °C was the optimal temperature for growth and reproduction of N.arcuatus.